The NSW Labor Government has once again shown its lack of support for regional NSW, refusing to commit to the continuation of the Resources for Regions Program.
The Resources for Regions program, set up by the Coalition in 2012, has reinvested over $560 million into mining communities in recognition of the important contribution they make to our state.
Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Natural Resources Dugald Saunders said Labor has a lot to answer for after voting in Parliament to “consider” instead of “commit to” the vital program.
“Labor’s indecisiveness regarding future funding for the Resources for Regions program demonstrates their willingness to exploit the wealth generated in regional NSW without reinvesting any funds back into those communities,” Mr Saunders said.
Shadow Minister for Western NSW, Sarah Mitchell, said the contribution our mining communities make to the state should not be in question.
“These communities deserve more than the uncertainty they currently get from this government,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Nationals in government committed additional funding to support the program because these hard-working communities should not be penalised by city-centric thinking,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It is absolutely crucial that we continue to support these towns that supply our state with the resources we rely on every day.
“These projects have restored towns, upgraded roads, and built essential community infrastructure, creating new jobs, driving economic growth and enriching community wellbeing.”
The last round of the program delivered $75 million in funding to support 93 projects including an upgrade to the Bylong Valley Way Road to improve freight for mining activities and $2.5 million to the Denman Community to further develop its master plan to upgrade the town centre.
